Minister outlines support for National Botanic Garden of Wales

Housing, Regeneration and Heritage Minister Huw Lewis has confirmed the funding package to be provided to the National Botanic Garden of Wales over the next two years.

Wednesday 08 February 2012

In 2011 the Welsh Government announced a three year package of support including annual revenue funding of £550,000 between 2012 and 2014, plus a conditional grant of £150,000 providing certain performance targets were met.

Following continual improvement at the Garden the Minister confirmed this conditional grant will be met between the Welsh Government and Carmarthenshire Council. A Welsh Government contribution of £270,000 over two years will secure a £30,000 Carmarthenshire County Council grant over the same period.

This brings the total Welsh Government subsidy to the Garden to £1,570,000 over two years.

The money will help the Garden to continue improving after successfully meeting Welsh Government performance targets over the past 12 months. These include the development of its long-term business plan, a Welsh language website and actions to widen and diversify its visitor appeal.

Huw Lewis said:

“Confirming this funding is recognition of the progress being made by the Garden. It demonstrates our commitment to continue working in partnership with Carmarthenshire County Council to help the Garden develop a sustainable business plan and unlock its commercial potential, with a view to increasing its self-generated income.

“The Garden plays a significant role in the local economy in Carmarthenshire, attracting tourists to the county whilst providing jobs for local people.”

Council Leader, Cllr Meryl Gravell, said:

“This announcement is to be welcomed, as not only does it bring continuing government funding in to the county, which is a much welcome boost to the local economy, but it also proves that the National Botanic Garden is moving in the right direction.”

Strong educational and scientific programmes, such as “Barcode Wales”, are enhancing the Garden’s reputation at home and overseas whilst its activities towards sustainability and a more diverse visitor programme is helping the Garden to attract over 120,000 people a year.